The first real rando front bag prototype is complete, and looking pretty good. And bound to be popular, if the number of comments it’s received on flickr are an indication.

Dimensions

The dimensions are 270mm W x 230mm H x 180mm D (or 10.5” x 9” x 7” in imperial units), and it weighs 770gm including the base stiffener and stabilization cords. Part of the weight comes from the heavy vinyl liner which is there for waterproofing. I’m going to investigate lighter weight vinyls, but these are never going to be the lightest bags out there. For reference, it’s about an ounce heavier than an Ostrich bag.

Features & Options

The bag features 2 small bellows pockets on the rear, facing the rider, and one large one on the front, both with buckle closures. There are flat pockets on each side, with velcro closure for security. Adding bellows pockets on the sides will be available as an option. There is a clear vinyl map pocket on the flap, some pockets on the inside, and the flap closes with a shock cord & hook thingamabob.

Other standard features include 2 1” d-rings on the sides, which can be used to attach a shoulder strap. They can also be used to attach shock cord stabilizer straps (included) to the handlebars, for using the bag without a decaleur

These will be available in all the colors of Cordura™ available, with a vinyl liner and grosgrain trim.

Naming

Does anyone reading this have any preferences on what this style of bag is best named? They’ve long been called “handlebar bags”, but that seems to cause some confusion these days, with people thinking that means they attach to the handlebars (and indeed, there are many bags that do). I’ve always thought they were so named because they sat inbetween the handlebars.

Other names I’ve seen used for them are “front bag” (which is equally ambiguous, if you ask me), and “boxy rando bag”, which is perhaps the most descriptive, but possibly too cryptic for most.